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Oklahoma-SMU GameDay: Under the Radar

Gavin Sawchuk ... R Mason Thomas ... Kip Lewis ... Woodi Washington ... Savion Byrd
John E. Hoover|
Oklahoma-SMU GameDay: Under the Radar
Oklahoma-SMU GameDay: Under the Radar

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Oklahoma Sooners

John Hoover: Gavin Sawchuk

Gavin Sawchuk, Oklahoma’s fastest running back didn’t get to play last week, and he had to sit out much of training camp with a soft-tissue injury. Brent Venables said last Saturday that Sawchuk was about “95 percent” healthy and should be ready to play this week. On Tuesday, Venables said Sawchuk is “available.” Having Sawchuk’s speed in the backfield changes things for the SMU defense, and his return should improve upon last week’s 3.85 yards per carry by the Sooner running backs.

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Ryan Chapman: R Mason Thomas

Defensive end R Mason Thomas was held out of the Arkansas State contest as a precaution, but he can be a weapon ripping off the edge for Brent Venables’ defense. Thomas’ pass rushing abilities earned him a role last year as a true freshman, and he bulked up this offseason to help move bodies along the line of scrimmage. SMU will roll into Norman with an experienced offensive line to protect quarterback Preston Stone, but a big day from Thomas could disrupt what was an explosive Mustang passing attack in Week 1 against Louisiana Tech.

Randall Sweet: Kip Lewis

With a fast-paced offense, SMU will run plenty of plays on Saturday in Norman. If starting linebackers Danny Stutsman and Jaren Kanak get fatigued and need to take a breather, redshirt freshman Kip Lewis could be the first player on the sidelines to come in for one of the two first-team linebackers. After a solid outing in his snaps against Arkansas State, Lewis will need to play well enough during his time on the field to allow Stutsman and Kanak proper time to take a break on the sideline.

Ross Lovelace: Woodi Washington

Veteran corner Woodi Washington had a terrific performance on Saturday, leading the Sooners’ secondary by example. He had a handful of deflections and by the end of the game, Arkansas State didn’t want to test his side of the field anymore. The matchups only get tougher from here on out, and Oklahoma needs Washington to be a bonafide No. 1 corner in the secondary. He has the experience and talent to help lead a turnaround on defense, and he’ll certainly have the chance to go against some of the best receivers in the country. Washington has a big challenge this Saturday with former 5-star prospect Jordan Hudson, who transferred to SMU from TCU. At one point in time, Hudson was set to come to Norman and play for Lincoln Riley. In week one, Hudson had 72 yards and a touchdown through the air. It will be critical for Washington and Oklahoma’s defense to shut him down on Saturday.

Tim Willert: Savion Byrd

Savion Byrd may be the most physical player on an offensive line that has some maulers. Against Arkansas State, offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby said the O-line played "incredibly tough," "very physical" and "really, really violent." Look for more of the same against SMU, with Byrd leading the way. The Sooners will want to dominate the line of scrimmage by controlling the clock to limit the possessions of pass-happy Mustangs quarterback Preston Smith and neutralize the SMU pass rush, which registered six sack a week ago. Challenge accepted.

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John E. Hoover
JOHN E. HOOVER

John is an award-winning journalist whose work spans five decades in Oklahoma, with multiple state, regional and national awards as a sportswriter at various newspapers. During his newspaper career, John covered the Dallas Cowboys, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Oklahoma Sooners, the Oklahoma State Cowboys, the Arkansas Razorbacks and much more. In 2016, John changed careers, migrating into radio and launching a YouTube channel, and has built a successful independent media company, DanCam Media. From there, John has written under the banners of Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Fan Nation and a handful of local and national magazines while hosting daily sports talk radio shows in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and statewide. John has also spoken on Capitol Hill in Oklahoma City in a successful effort to put more certified athletic trainers in Oklahoma public high schools. Among the dozens of awards he has won, John most cherishes his national "Beat Writer of the Year" from the Associated Press Sports Editors, Oklahoma's "Best Sports Column" from the Society of Professional Journalists, and Two "Excellence in Sports Medicine Reporting" Awards from the National Athletic Trainers Association. John holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications from East Central University in Ada, OK. Born and raised in North Pole, Alaska, John played football and wrote for the school paper at Ada High School in Ada, OK. He enjoys books, movies and travel, and lives in Broken Arrow, OK, with his wife and two kids.

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